I want to start this post off saying I am on vacation, so this post is literally my life right now. I use my iPad to create my content on the go, and there is no data plan attached to it. I am still creating a blog post with no connection, and this post will tell you all about how to stay productive on the beach even with no wifi or data connection. Though I mentioned at the beach, this is really for anywhere you go where you want to work but have zero or an unreliable connection.
Key apps:
1. Trello- I plan all my contents in Trello (along with everything else that I plan in life haha), so it only makes sense for it to be one of my key apps for working offline. Since you do not need a connection to work in Trello, it keeps my workflow going as this is my first stop in my blogging and business processes.
2. Google Docs- this is my writing app of choice. I always create my blog posts or long format content in Google Docs then transfer it to its permanent home once editing is complete. I love that you can use Google Docs offline since this is a key app in my business. If you use a different word processing app that has offline capabilities, you can use that instead.
3. Music app that allows downloading/offline mode- I love to work with music in the background (right now I’m listening to Bossa Nova, specifically Astrud Gilberto). I subscribe to Tidal for my streaming music service, and you can easily download music to your device to listen to when you have no connection. This has been especially useful when driving through the mountains because there is NO connection there. I believe Spotify has the option to download music as well, so make sure you get your music prepared before you leave home.
Key items:
1. Laptop or Tablet (with wireless keyboard for best results)- you will obviously need a device to work on. As I mentioned earlier, I use my ipad on the go, so I have it attached to a wireless keyboard so I can easily type my contents. If you prefer to use your laptop, that’s great, too. You can download Google Docs to a laptop and work offline on it as well!
2. Chargers- this is a key element because it would be terrible to run out of juice while working away from home. Don’t forget your laptop/tablet and phone chargers.
3. Buds/Headphones- if you will be listening to your downloaded music, you will want to make sure to have earbuds or headphones so you can really zone out and not disturb others around you.
4. Paper and writing utensil- although I prefer to use digital items and apps, I still keep a notebook and pen with me to jot down quick thoughts if I don’t feel it’s necessary to add to a note app. And hey, paper and pen is always a good backup in general if technology just decides to randomly fail you.
Now for the process:
1.Decide what you will be working on- review what your plans are for the day so you will know what documents need to be downloaded.
2. Get the latest version of the Google Docs and Trello Boards you will be working in by opening the apps before leaving home (this syncs the latest version to your device). If you plan to create a brand new document, you can also do this offline and just sync once you have a connection again and are complete for the day.
3. Download the music you want to hear from your music app of choice.
4. Once you’re done with your offline work, make sure to open the apps again once you have a wifi or data connection so the work you did offline will sync to the cloud and be available on all your devices.
I love to work away from home from time to time for a change of scenery, and this beach vacation was a perfect scene to work on a few pieces of content. If you live near a beach, this is also perfect for you because you can escape to the beach more often to work for the day and not have to worry about how you will connect to your apps and documents. Productivity is a great thing, and a connection shouldn’t stop you from being great!
